The Malta Gaming Authority generates nearly €1 million – €924,927 – per employee, Parliamentary Secretary Josè Herrera told Parliament.

The authority had taken on 55 new employees in various positions since April 2013, at a total cost of €1,363,609.

Answering questions by Claudio Grech (PN), Dr Herrera said that in the past 18 months the authority had greatly expanded its remit and the volume of work had risen by 20 per cent. The need had been felt to increase the number of gaming inspectors, and more would be employed soon. With gaming parlours mushrooming, inspectors had to visit all outlets and keep a lookout for underground gambling.

Mr Grech said a family had complained to him that although a relative had barred himself, apparently there were still those who permitted such people to enter. What type of effort was being made to ensure that self-barring meant exactly that?

Dr Herrera said he and the chairman were currently working on a detailed overhaul of the system.

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